Author(s): Y. Yasuda; I. Ohtsu
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Stepped channel; Skimming flow; Energy dissipation; Stepped cavity; Pressure distribution
Abstract: Stepped chutes are effective for dissipating the energy of high-velocity flows in spillways. Under a design discharge, the flow conditions on stepped chutes are apt to become skimming flow (the main flow skims above stepped chute and eddies are formed in the step cavity at each step). The formation of eddies in a step cavity affects the flow characteristics of skimming flow in a stepped channel. This paper presents the effect of the shape and size of a step cavity on the flow conditions, the energy loss, and the pressure magnitude and distribution pattern. Different shapes and sizes of step cavities form different eddies, and result in differences in the magnitude and distribution pattern of the pressure acting on horizontal step portion. On the basis of the experimental results of the pressure acting on the step, this paper also discusses the risk of cavitation.
Year: 2003